Highlands Football Game Preview: Cowboys vs Greyhounds

Following a season that ended very strong for the Cowboys in 2021, Head Coach, Ron Hudson hopes to pick up where the Purple and White left off. Eastern New Mexico comes to Las Vegas for an instate matchup that will have the eyes of every 505er in the state this Thursday night at Sanchez Family Stadium in Las Vegas.

How to watch
When: Thursday Sep 1st
Time: 6 p.m. MT
Streaming: RMACNetwork.com
Cowboy Roundup
Preseason Prediction: 8^th in the RMAC

2021 Record: 5-6 (4-5 CONF)
The Cowboys finished 2021 with an exciting win over Western New Mexico while also winning 4 of their final 5 games. The Cowboys are looking to use this matchup against Eastern New Mexico as a way to work out the details before opening their conference season at home against Fort Lewis College on Sep 17^th.
Offensively, the Cowboys will be young on the offensive line and will rely on a disciplined offense lead by transfer QB Zeke Payne, Wideout CJ Sims and inside/outside the hash threat Cameron High.
Looking back to last year. Sims caught 64 passes had 15 touchdowns overall. Cameron High had 556 yards on 118 attempts and scored 2 touchdowns on the ground. He also hauled in 16 receptions for 143 yards. As for Payne he hopes success he had that the Junior College level at Palomar will translate to the Division II level. Zeke went 221 of 390 for a 56.7 completion percentage and 2,795 yards in the air with 26 touchdowns and only 4 interceptions.
Defensively, The Cowboys look to be explosive and focus on take aways. The defensive line will pressure all season long. Look for Brendon Luper to have a big impact this year. He's returning from a very impressive 2021 campaign where he amassed 43 tackles and was a staple in the middle of the field.

Cowboys to watch
The offensive line and running backs
According to Coach Hudson the Offensive line is the X factor for the team. The quicker the new line gels the faster the Cowboys will find success. The running game is going to be crucial in the Cowboys approach this season.

Greyhounds on the road.
Tye Hiatt is going into his second season as head coach for the Hounds. Eastern adds Associate Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator Jamison Bisch, Offensive Line Coach/Run Game Coordinator Jamaal Lewis, and Defensive Line Coach Andre McCall.
ENMU brings back seven starters returning on offense and eight coming back on defense, including 2021 All-LSC honorable mention team members sophomore running back Howard Russell and sophomore safety Cameron Santa Cruz.

Facebook – @NMHUAthletics
Twitter - @NMHU_Athletics
Instagram - @NMHUAthletics